The Essendon VFL side will play a practice match against Old Melbournians this Saturday at the Junction Oval. After missing the finals, the Bombers are in desperate need of match practice with the senior team heading into its fifth successive finals campaign. ""It is important our players continue to get match practice and keep their fitness levels up with the seniors heading into the finals. I expect a full-line up at the practice match on Saturday, with the exception of Jordan Bannister (ankle), Andrew Welsh (knee) and Justin Blumfield (knee),"" Drain said.

Old Melbournians are a B grade amateur side and have the week off before playing in it's second semi-final next week. The practice match kicks off at 10am.